Explore: Sint Maarten
Facts
- One of the northern Leeward Islands, this small island is shared between two nations. The southern third (Sint Maarten), is now an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the northern part (St Martin), belongs to the French départment of Guadeloupe.
- Since becoming an autonomous country, Sint Maarten now has a new flag (red over blue with a white triangle at the halyard).
- Sint Maarten has a population of 40,120 with the most populated areas being Lower Prince’s Quarter (north of Philipsburg), followed closely by Cul de Sac.
- The official languages are English and Dutch. Spanish, Creole, Papiamento (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect) and French are also spoken.
- Netherlands Antillean Guilder or florin is used as currency. For specifics see General Info.
- Time zone in Sint Maarten (GMT-4). For specifics see General Info.
- The island has a tropical marine climate with steady northeast trade winds and moderate temperatures; average rainfall of 150 cm/year; hurricane season stretches from July to November. For specifics see Weather, below, for more info.
- Sint Maarten is more developed than St Martin and cruising attractions include great restaurants, beach bars, white sand beaches, rainforests, coral reefs, and a fascinating colonial history.
- This is a duty-free island, so prices are competitive and parts and spares are easily imported. The island has skilled marine tradesmen and a large number of marinas, boatyards and chandleries with most major services found on this side of the lagoon. See Yachting Essentials for more details.
- Both sides of the island use the IALA-B (green to port) buoyage system.
Security
Overall Crime and Safety
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. There have been reports of theft from vehicles, especially rental cars. Armed robberies and tourists being followed by people on motorcycles have also been reported. Burglaries and break-ins are common at resorts, beach houses, and hotels.
Specific areas of concern:
Petty Theft
The main tourist areas are generally safe, but you should take normal precautions. Avoid remote areas at night. Don’t take valuables to the beach. Make sure purses and backpacks are closed and not easy to grab.
Drugs
Used as drug passageway from South America to Europe and North America. Don’t leave bags unattended or agree to carry a package for anyone.
The Airport
The tiny airport is popular with people who like to gather to see planes taking off literally a few feet above their heads. Be aware that getting too close can expose you to jet fumes and the strong winds from the back of a plane can throw you around violently.
Maritime Issues:
Locked dinghy and outboard thefts continue to be a problem in the lagoon, particularly on the French side. Be sure to lift and chain and lock your dinghy and outboard at night and sleep with your doors and hatches locked.
The Caribbean Safety and Security Net provide information by anchorage or by the island. If you experience a boarding, robbery or attack on your yacht or have information about a yachting-related security incident, go to the CSSN homepage and click on the “Report an Incident” icon.
Reported Incidents:
Simpson Bay, 2018: Crew member shot in hand near Simpson Bay (see report adjacent).
Simpson Bay, Blue Pearl Marina 2018: Boat boarded when occupants sleeping dinghy/outboard, mobiles and laptop were taken.
General Emergency Numbers: For details see General Info.
Be sure to check related security reports for Sint Maarten.
Last updated: December 2018
Weather
Sint Maarten has a mild tropical climate, with steady easterly trade winds. July to November is the rainy season, while December to June is dry, although conditions vary little, June to November being the hurricane season.
The St Maarten Cruiser’s Net can be heard at 0730 on VHF Channel 14, Mon-Sat, beginning transmission with a marine weather report.
Weather and other information are broadcast on Mike’s (Shrimpy’s) Net, Monday to Saturday on VHF Channel 10 at 0730.
At 0900 Island 92 (91.9 FM) broadcasts a comprehensive marine weather forecast and overall synopsis, repeated at 12 noon.
Meteorological Department Curaçao (MDC)
Provides weather services for Curacao, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten and Saba, within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Office providing public weather forecasts for Antigua & Barbuda, the Leeward Islands and the BVIs.
SMX Cyclone (in French – marine weather & cyclone warnings)
See the Caribbean National, Regional and Island Weather Websites report for more.
For links to free global weather information, forecast services and extreme weather information see the Noonsite Weather Page.
Main Ports
- Ports of Entry: Philipsburg, Simpson Bay
- Other Ports: Oyster Pond
